Contra Costa County budget grows 3.5 percent for fiscal year

MARTINEZ -- Contra Costa supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a fiscal year 2013/14 general fund budget of $1.275 billion, up 3.5 percent from last year.

The approved budget includes a $3 million surplus, thanks in part to an improving economy and rebounding property tax revenues, which were up 3.45 percent this year. Tuesday's vote approved the budget, which was first adopted in April, with slight modifications.

Between July 2011 and June 2012, the county's jobless rate decreased from 11 percent to 9.4 percent, according to a county staff report.

"After several years of significant challenge, we are starting to see improvement in our financial

status," the report read. "Although it is too early to celebrate, we have every reason to be cautiously optimistic ..."

The bulk of the budget, 54 percent, is allocated for Health and Human Services, while courts and public safety take up 28 percent and general government costs represent 18 percent.

"The good news is that this budget maintains services as we regain a more stable financial footing after several years of decreased revenue," county Supervisor John Gioia, of Richmond, said after the meeting.